How we'll plant one billion trees

One billion trees by 2028

The Government has developed the One Billion Trees Programme to increase tree planting across New Zealand. The goal is to double the current planting rate to reach one billion trees planted by 2028.

The programme has the potential to deliver huge benefits for our environment, our people, our communities, and our economy.

The focus is on making it easier to plant the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose.

We want to see trees integrated into the landscape to complement and diversify our existing land uses, rather than see large-scale land conversion to forestry. We want to see innovative ideas, research, and sector development that will improve the way we plant and grow trees.

The tree planting mission

To transform New Zealand's forests in a way that improves our environment, social outcomes for our people, and economic performance in our regions.

We'll do this by:

protecting and improving our soil, water quality, and other natural resources
helping New Zealand meet its international climate change commitments
increasing biodiversity and enhancing natural landscapes
providing opportunities for Māori to maximise the potential of their land and resources
providing employment and training opportunities
building sustainable regional economic growth
supporting tourism and infrastructure development.

Right tree, right place, right purpose

The One Billion Trees Programme isn't just about numbers. We want to make sure the right trees are planted in the right places for the right purpose.

Right tree

We want to encourage both permanent and plantation forests made up of exotic and native tree species. The programme encourages the planting of native species to improve biodiversity.

Right place

We want to see trees integrated into the landscape to complement and diversify our existing land uses, rather than see large-scale land conversion to forestry. We also want the trees planted to be suitable for the site and their intended use. To do this we need to align tree planting with local land-use and planting priorities and strategies.

Right purpose

We want to make sure tree planting is well planned and considers the long-term maintenance and end-use of the trees. Commercial viability for production forests and protection for permanent forests should be thought through before planting. We also want to make sure plantings take local social, environmental, cultural, and economic priorities into account.